Greetings from the President, April 2017

What an outstanding month we have had in April.

We thank Pastor Everette R. Pierson and First Lady Sandra Pierson of the Resurrection Baptist Church in Washington DC for hosting our April Fellowship. We are delighted that Sister Pierson has renewed her membership with us. We welcomed as our first-time guest, First Lady Linda Young of the First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Washington DC and fellowshipped Sister Barbie Daughtry as a new member. our March Fellowship. What a wonderful time of food and fellowship, and catching up on the many business and social activities of the BMWMWA and its members. The Executive Board met and clarified the election process which Board Chairman Mary Wilson will share with the membership this week.

We had a successful Northeast Regional Conference in New York City. Our IAMWMWA President Beverly Glover inspired us all to keep working for the Kingdom and supporting our husbands. Bishop Eunice T. Turner ushered in the Holy Spirit in her morning meditative message. We praise God for using her gifts and talents to bless us last weekend.  I was delighted to witness my husband, Pastor Terry D. Streeter of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, deliver an inspiring message at our annual BMWMWA Fellowship Breakfast. It was a GRAND SUCCESS!  We had happy guests, great food, a wonderful assortment of vendors, and gave out four (4) scholarships and eight (8) Faithful Servant Awards. It was such a wonderful morning of fellowship that a representative of one of the local seminaries asked to partner with us to offer a scholarship to a youth minister or young adult seeking a career in ministry!  Look at God work!  Thank you, Dr. Marie Quick, Activity Committee, and all BMWMWA ladies for your hard work and sacrifice to make this a success. You did an outstanding job.... again.

Several churches, including my own Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, hosted Good Friday services on April 14 and celebrated Resurrection Day Sunrise Worship Services on April 16.  Sister Jennifer Washington and the Stoddard Home Committee led us in our Stoddard Home Day of Service on April 17, 2017 (Easter Monday) where Rev. Maxwell Washington delivered another wonderful message and we delivered 18 baby dolls and 40 bags of personal toiletries and goodies to residents at the worship service. 

The Annual Session of the DC State MWMW is fast-approaching with the "12 Jewels of the Bible Gala" fundraising event on Friday evening, June 9, 2017. All are invited to attend. Tickets are $20.  The workshops and the official business meeting on Saturday, June 10, 2017. Tickets for the complete package of weekend activities and meals (including the Gala) are only $70.  Please see Sister Mary Wilson or Dr. Marie Quick for more ticket information. The Annual IAMWMW Conference in Freeport Grande Bahamas from June 18 - 23, 2017 promises to be a fun-filled, casual conference and vacation.  I hope you have completed your Hotel and conference registration.

Please keep all our sisters and our church families covered in prayer.  God has called us to a mighty work and labor of love. I pray for His guidance as we complete the work that He may get the Glory. I am grateful for each of you for all that you do for our organization and the Kingdom of God.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Sherl L. Streeter

President, BMWMWA

Message From the President, February 2017

Love is in the air!  It's almost Valentine's Day but each of you are Sweethearts every day!!  Please pray for those who may be alone or ill during this winter season. Call, write, and visit them. Continue to keep our IAMWMW President Beverly Glover in your prayers as she continues to recuperate at home.

We thank our hosts Bishop Michael and Bishop Eunice T. Turner and The Miracle Center family for their gracious hospitality at our January Fellowship.  What an awesome time!  Sister Kimberlee Baker was the guest speaker and shared with all of us how to move our ministries forward using social media and the Internet to reach, teach, train, and retain members and disciples at home and abroad. She held a separate session with our husbands while we conducted our business meeting.

Our Fellowship this month will be held on February 17, 2017 at the Saint Charles Baptist Church located at 4410 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington DC where our Host Pastor and Hostess are Rev. Eric Barksdale (Past President of the National Capital Baptist Convention of DC) and DC State AMWMW President Pamela Barksdale. Our speaker for the evening will be Minister Stacey Smith, who leads Creative Discipleship and Youth Ministry workshops across the United States and abroad. She has recently received training from and taught at New Bethel Baptist Church (Pastor Dexter Nutall) and First Baptist Church of Glenarden (Pastor John Jenkins).  She is the daughter of the late Rev. Dr. James H. Wilson (Associate Pastor, New Bethel BC and professor at Maple Springs Baptist Bible College and Seminary).

Remember, tickets are going quickly for our annual Fellowship Breakfast April 1, 2017 9 a.m. - BMWMWA Annual Fellowship Breakfast at Camelot by Martin's, 13905 Central Ave, Upper Marlboro, MD, Tickets: $40

We are excited about all the wonderful blessings God is sending our way.  Many opportunities to share the Gospel and help build up women across the world, especially ministers' wives and widows.  Our own Pastor Joann M. Talley and Bishop Eunice T. Turner have been very busy conducting workshops, retreats, and preaching across the metropolitan area. Bishop Turner will be the Saturday Morning Meditation Speaker at the Northeast Region Conference from March 23-25, 2017 at Hilton New York JFK Hotel in Jamaica, NY. Bishop Eunice will also be the morning speaker at the DC State Rainbow Tea and will help lead a mission trip to Liberia this Fall.  Please keep her in your prayers as she does the work the Lord has called her to do.

Additionally, Lady Vanessa Hilliard and DC State President Pamela Barksdale have been selected to teach a class for ministers' wives at the Baptist Educational Congress of DC.  The Congress will be held at Central High School in Capital Heights MD on May 8 to 12 from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm.  Please come out to support them and meet ministers' wives you may not know.

Here are a few upcoming events that you will not want to miss:

• February 25, 2017 – 1:00pm Lott Carey 5th Annual Global Prayer Service at The New Macedonia Baptist Church located at 4115 Alabama Ave, SE Washington, DC where Rev. Patrick Walker is the Pastor.
• CANCELLED; February 26, 2017 at 4:00pm - Pre-Anniversary Musical for Bishop Michael Turner featuring Evangelist Dorothy Norwood and Gospel Soloist Tanya Evans at The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church at 9161 Hampton Overlook in Capitol Heights, MD. Limited VIP Seats $25.00 and Advance General Seating $10.00 from John 3:16 Christian Bookstore in Lanham MD or Purchase at Door $15.00 (Cash Sale Only).
• February 11, 2017 - "All About Love" Workshop conducted by Rev. Terry & Minister Shelia Lee - Open to Public (Free Admission), 10 am at Prepared Table Ministries for Christ, 8033 C Penn-Randall Place, Upper Marlboro, MD, Apostle Edward Smith, Pastor
• March 9, 2017 - Talk Saves Lives - An Introduction to Suicide Prevention, at 7 pm at Work of Faith Church of Jesus Christ, 6001 66th Ave, #101, Riverdale, MD.  Please R.S.V.P. to Anita C. Frazier, for more info 301-459-7799
• March 19, 2017 - Holiness Council Ministers' Wives Association Anniversary, 3:30 pm at House of Prayer, 8516 Central Avenue, Capitol Heights, MD
• March 23-25, 2017 - IAMWMW Northeast Region Conference hosted by New York State MWWA at Hilton New York JFK Hotel located at 144-02 135th Avenue in Jamaica, NY 11436. The Room Rate is $139.00.
• March 29 - 31, 2017 - 3 Day Revival with Pastor Vera Moreland, 7:30 pm nightly at Word of Faith Church, 6001 66th Ave, #101, Riverdale, MD, Bishop Larry Frazier, Sr. Pastor, Dr. Anita Frazier, Pastor.
• April 29, 2017 3:00 p.m. - ICMWMW "PK" Musical - Location TBA
• June 9 - 10, 2017 - Annual State Convention - Friday, June 9th 6 pm - 9 pm; Saturday, June 10th 8:30 am - 12 noon 
• June 16 - 23, 2017, 2017 IAMWMW Convention in Freeport, Grand Bahamas at the Grand Lucyan Beach and Golf Resort at 1 Royal Palm Way, P. O. Box F-42500 Freeport, Grand Bahama, (242) 373-1333

See you at our February Fellowship on February 17, 2017 at the Saint Charles Baptist Church located at 4410 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington DC where Pastor Eric Barksdale and DC State AMWMW President Pamela Barksdale will host us.

I thank God for the wonderful fellowship we continue to have. Be blessed and be a blessing.

Message From President Sherl L. Streeter, November 2016

What a wonderful time of fellowship with new member First Lady Bonnie Wise and her husband, Dr. Carson Wise at the October fellowship meeting at New Bethany Baptist Church in Washington DC.  Our guest speaker, NAMI Counselor Michelle Jackson, gave a stirring personal testimony regarding mental health needs and shared extensive information about resources available to us in the local DC area.  Each attendee also received a free copy of a book about how to identify and help direct those who may be suicidal. What a wealth of information! 

We followed this with the wonderful Baltimore-Washington Fellowship (BWF) on November 12, 2016 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church of Washington DC. We were blessed with good food, singing husbands choir, and an awesome message from Pastor Terry D. Streeter entitled, "Getting Ready".  Special thanks to First Lady Patricia Brown and the BWF Committee for a wonderful program.  And enormous gratitude for our Baltimore sisters who traveled to join us.  This fellowship has been an annual event since Sister Fran Jones began it in 1949.

Last weekend, our November fellowship was held at Salem Baptist Church where Pastor Alonzo Hart recently retired and Rev. Johnnie S. Fox, III has assumed the position of Interim Pastor.  Husbands and wives took turns expressing what we are most thankful for at a time when so many are unhappy and complaining or protesting with post-election blues. We know who we serve and we are most grateful to God for His saving power and loving kindness toward us.

In other local news, our Christmas Fellowship is about to take place at Vermont Avenue Baptist Church located at 1630 Vermont Avenue NW in Washington DC.  Our host Pastor is Rev. Isaac Fox, and First Lady Jessie Fox and Dr. Marie Bowe-Quick are our hostesses. We will have the big Secret Sister Reveal at the holiday fellowship!  We are asking all sisters to bring a gift for their secret sister. If you have been slack in recognizing your secret sister throughout the past few months, you can make up for it at the December meeting.  Bring something extra special for them.

In national news, we are preparing to attend Founder's Day 2016 on December, 2-3, 2016 in Richmond, Virginia. at the WESTIN RICHMOND Hotel located at 6631 West Broad Street.  I encourage you to make reservations now and encourage others to attend.  The luncheon tickets are $45 and our Transportation Committee will have a bus or van going on December 3 for $25 roundtrip. The Northeast Region Conference will be in March 23-25, 2017 at the Long Island Marriott at 101 James Doolittle Blvd in Uniondale NY.  Our hostess is the New York State sisterhood.

Finally, the 2017 IAMWMW CONVENTION held on June 17 - 23, 2017 in Freeport, Grand Bahamas. Our Bahamian sisters have promised us a wonderful fun-filled and relaxing time. Apply for your passport now. We will stay at the Grand Lucyan Hotel. I can't wait to get to the sand, sea, and sun. Get ready to enjoy yourself! 

I thank God for each of you and for the wonderful fellowship we have had over the past years.  I look forward to the future God has planned for us. Grateful hearts and willing hands can produce a harvest of blessings for the Kingdom.  Let us work until the Lord calls us home.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

BMWMWA President Sherl L. Streeter

February 2018

My Sisters in Christ, 
 
I hope this newsletter finds each of you in good health!  In the month of February we celebrate, Black History, Valentine’s Day,  and Heart Health.  Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The good news? It is also one of the most preventable. Making heart-healthy choices, knowing your family health history and the risk factors for heart disease, having regular check-ups and working with your physician to manage your health are all integral aspects of saving lives from this often silent killer.  Make a difference in your community by spreading the word about strategies for preventing heart disease and encouraging those around you to have their hearts check and commit to heart-healthy lives.
 
I would like to express thanks to Pastor Lloyd McGriff and First Lady Monica McGriff for allowing us to fellowship at their church for the month of January.  Thanks to our hostesses Minister Sheila Lee, Reverend Gail Johnson, and Pastor Joann Talley. The meal was delicious!!!!  The fellowship was wonderful!  Thank you to our January guest speaker, Deborah Sellers, Founder and Critical Thinking Coach of Consult Sellers, A Catalyst for Change.
 
Our February 16, 2018 meeting will be held at 7:00 pm at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church 5120 Whitfield Chapel Road Lanham, MD  20706.  The Pastor is Charles E. Cato.  Our hostesses will be Lady Norma McClain, Pastor Joann Talley, and Lady Mary R. Wilson.  
  
 Thank you to Lady Sherl L. Streeter, for maintaining our First Class website in such an efficient manner, www.baptminwivesandwidowsdc.com  We have current information, upcoming activities, and links to other Local, State, and International Associations. Please remember to pray for our bereaved, sick and shut in members.  Send a card or call them. They would love to hear from you. I look forward to seeing each of you on Friday, February 16, 2018 at 7 pm. Peace and Blessings,
 

Dr. Marie Bowe-Quick

President, BMWMWA

____________________________________________________

JANUARY 2018

From President Dr. Marie Quick

My Sisters in Christ, 

I am praying that God gives you a year of “Favor” full of His unending love.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!  A heartfelt thanks to Pastor Isaac A. Fox and First Lady Jessie B. Fox of Vermont Avenue Baptist Church for hosting our annual Christmas Fellowship.  Thank you to:  First Lady, Jessie B. Fox, Sister Joyce Sparrow, Sister Felicia Momoh, and Reverend Joann Talley for contributing to help defray the cost of the food and other expenses. 

 Due to the weather, the crowd was small but the fellowship was wonderful.  We talked, laughed, ate a delicious meal, played games, and were able to get to know each other a little more than before.  Reverend Ronald Brown and Reverend Charlie Smith should start their own TV show.  They gave Steve Harvey a run for his money.

 Our January 19th meeting will be held at 7:00 pm at Galilee Baptist Church 2101 Shadyside Avenue, Suitland, MD  20744.  The Pastor is Reverend Lloyd T. McGriff and First Lady Monica McGriff.  Our hostesses will be Minister Shelia Lee, Reverend Gail Johnson and Reverend Joann Talley. *Please arrive at 5:45 pm so our Executive Board Meeting will start promptly at 6:00 pm.   

 If you gave us a verbal commitment to contribute to Founders’ Day, don’t forget to submit your check.  If you haven’t contributed, please do so because the campaign continues…….

 IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE OF $35.00 for 2017-2018.  IF YOU ARE NOT COMING TO THE MEETING YOU MAY MAIL IT TO:   Talita V. Grayton 1327 Massachusetts Avenue, SE Washington, DC  20003 

 In anticipation of our new Membership Directory, for 2017-2019, all officers and committee chairpersons are asked to provide a photograph (head and shoulder view) for use in the directory.  Committee chairpersons must also submit the names of their committee members for this administration. If any member of the Sisterhood has changed any of your personal or church contact information, please email this information to me at mariequick@strategies-thatwork.com.  The deadline for submission has passed and I do not have many submissions.

Thank you to Lady Sherl L. Streeter, for maintaining our First-Class website in such an efficient manner, baptminwivesandwidowsdc.com.  We have current information, upcoming activities, and links to other Local, State, and International Associations. Please take a look!

Please continue to pray for our bereaved sisters, Lt. Colonel Rena’ Batts Elmore, in the loss of her mother.  Dorothy Wells-Fowlkes had shoulder reversal surgery.  She is recovering at home.  Please remember to pray for our bereaved, sick and shut in members.  Send a card or call them. They would love to hear from you!

_________________________________________________________________

FROM President Sherl Streeter:

Can you believe it? This will be my final message to you as your BMWMWA President. What a wonderful experience this has been! To God be the Glory! I thank each of you for your kind support over the past two years. You are truly women of God.

Please mark your calendars for the BMWMWA Officers’ Transition meeting to be held at 9:00am to 11:00am on Saturday, September 9, 2017 and the Installation Service of President-Elect Dr. Marie Bowe-Quick at 6:00pm on Friday, September 15, 2017. Light refreshments will be served prior to her installation. Both events will be held at Vermont Avenue Baptist Church, 1630 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington DC.  

The summer has been a success with the spirit-filled and uplifting Annual Session of the DC State Association of MWMW under the leadership of President Pamela Barksdale and powerful speaking of Elder Kathy Pointer, president of the United Metropolitan Alliance of Ministers' Wives and Widows.  Do not forget to make your donation to the continued operations of the DC State association. We need each member to contribute and actively support our state activities. 

The Annual IAMWMW Conference in Freeport Grande Bahamas from June 18 - 23, 2017 was a grand success. I want to remind you of some key updates from the convention:

* We need your help to quickly pay off the $230,000.00 mortgage (taken out to renovate IAMWMW Headquarters) before the end of President Glover's administration. Individual and organizational donations OF ANY AMOUNT are needed now. Donor names will be prominently displayed on a wall at IAMWMW Headquarters in Richmond VA.

* The Think Tank Committee (created at the 2016 Convention and of which I am a member) is working to update the IAMWMW website information to include new forms, pictures, and links to region, state, and local associations. It will soon allow online donations, registration, and payment of fees via credit and debit cards. 

* DC State President Pamela Barksdale and I will lead the IAMWMW Registration Committee for President Glover’s final year in office and the onsite registration team for the 2018 Atlanta GA conference form June 22-29, 2018. It will be an election year (candidates to be named in December 2017) so we expect large attendance. The 2018 IAMWMW Annual Convention will be held at the Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel in Atlanta GA. Room rate is $149.00 per night, parking $16.00 per day, (404) 209-9999 or 1-800-468-3571.

* Beginning in 2020, IAMWMW Convention and the Regional Conferences will meet in alternating years instead of both occurring in the same year. The IAMWMW will meet in Atlanta in 2018 and in New Jersey in 2019. After that, we will alternate between the international conference in EVEN numbered year and the regional conferences in ODD numbered years.

Remember that the Capital Seminary and Graduate School, a division of Lancaster Bible College, is offering BMWMWA members a 25% tuition discount to attend Master of Arts in Professional Counseling (MAPC) classes in Fall 2017. The college is located in Greenbelt MD.  If you or someone you know is interested in attending, please call me.

Please continue to lift our sisters and their families in prayer.  Sister Sallie Ladson, Sister Lattimore, and Rev. McClain (husband of Sister Norma McClain) are all recuperating at home.  A sister of Sister Patricia Smith recently died but we do not have funeral details yet. Continue to pray for Sister Andrea Logan (husband passed) and Sister Vanessa Hilliard (mother passed). Be there for one another. Please pray for each other, our families, our churches, and our work in ministry. Remember to reach out to other ministers' wives and widows this summer to keep our fellowship strong. We have new members who you will meet next month at the Installation Services for President-Elect Dr. Marie Bowe-Quick. Be blessed and be a blessing,

Sherl L. Streeter

President, BMWMWA

Greetings from the President, August 2017

This has shaped up to be an exciting and event-filled summer break. Our church has kicked-off its march to celebrating our 100^th Church Anniversary in May 2018, my son has completed his first year of Seminary and preached his initial sermon, and I am working with President-Elect Dr. Marie Bowe-Quick as she develops marvelous plans for our Sisterhood prepares to transition into the role of BMWMWA President. To God be the Glory!

Join me in congratulating Ebenezer Baptist Church Pastor Lonnie Johnson and First Lady Gail Brown-Johnson as they celebrate their 17^th Pastoral Anniversary with Pre-Anniversary Services with preaching Thursday July 13, 2017 at 7:00pm by Pastor Freddie Davis of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church; and Thursday, July 20, 2017 at 7:00 pm by Pastor A. C. Durant of Tenth Street Baptist Church. There will be a musical on Friday, July 21, 2017at 7:00 pm to honor Lady Gail Brown-Johnson. Their Anniversary Services on Sunday, July 23, 2017 will be 11:00am with Senior Pastor Robert Johnson, Sr. of New Mt. Nebo Baptist Church and at 3:00 pm Pastor Nathaniel Benjamin, Jr. of Second New St. Paul Baptist Church.  If your church is celebrating an event, please let me know so we can support you as well.

The Annual Session of the DC State MWMW held its official business meeting on Saturday, June 10, 2017. President Pamela Barksdale has led us and conducted the business of the state association very well. Our guest workshop speaker was Elder Kathy Pointer, president of the United Metropolitan Alliance of Ministers' Wives and Widows. She spoke on the topic, “Don't Do It!" based on Galatians 6:9, admonishing us to not become weary in well-doing for we will reap our just rewards if we hold fast to God and continue in our work for the Kingdom. She told us we have been hand-picked by God for every task He gives us and we have whatever we need (in Him) to do the work set before us.  Her final word was, “a harvest always yields more than what was planted.” The annual session was spirit-filled and uplifting!  What a way to go into our summer break.

Likewise, the Annual IAMWMW Conference in Freeport Grande Bahamas from June 18 - 23, 2017 was a wonderful and fun-filled conference and vacation.  Each evening’s worship service was very powerful with great preaching and singing.  The workshops and business sessions were equally spirit-filled. It is a joy to be in the fellowship of godly women who are wives and widows to Ministers of the Gospel of Christ.  President’s Night was tropical themed with preaching and prophesizing by Bishop Neil C. Ellis, Presiding Bishop of Global United Fellowship. The Thursday evening Awards Banquet was held outdoors by the ocean with breezes from the Atlantic Ocean and the sounds of waves filling the air. It was an “All-White Night” affair and DC state won a plaque for largest donation by a medium-size state association! It was one of our best conventions.

The highlights from the annual conference include:

1. Establishing a Vendor Committee to serve the IAMWMW and establish vendor lists and participants at regional and international conference. To join the committee, members should contact their regional vice-president. Dr. Marie Quick has been added to the committee.

2. Establishment of a Crisis Team for disaster alerts and status updates for crisis areas that impact our membership.

3. Updated training and protocol book for ministers’ wives and widows is in the works.

4. Beginning in 2020, IAMWMW and Regional Conferences will meet in alternating years instead of both occurring in the same year. The IAMWMW will meet in Atlanta in 2018 and in New Jersey in 2019.After that, we will alternate between the international conference in EVEN numbered year and the regional conferences in ODD numbered years.

5.  The Pacific and Mid-Northwest regions will combine to become the Western Region.

6. The Pastors’ Kids (PK) Division will be renamed to honor the founder of the PK Division, Mrs. Ruth White (CT).

7. Prioritization of paying off the mortgage (taken out to renovate the IAMWMW Headquarters) before the end of the Glover administration. Personal and organizational donations are needed now.Donor names will be prominently displayed on the Tree of Life to be placed on the wall at IAMWMW Headquarters in Richmond VA.Each region is asked to equally share in the liquidation of the $230,000 debt by raising $40,000 (more, if you can) to pay off the debt.

8. The Think Tank Committee (created at the 2016 Convention and of which I am a member) has released its initial recommendations to the IAMWMW regarding: a) updating the IAMWMW website to update all forms, pictures, provide a link to each region, state, local association, and significant church events. (I co-chair this subcommittee); b) opening online donations to improve revenue flow, increase finances, and reduce debt; c) streamlining registration and modernizing payment methods to include online registration and use of credit and debit cards; and d) establishing an electronic newsletter copy of The Herald to reduce publication costs and to improve delivery and frequency of disseminating information.

9. DC State President Pamela Barksdale and BMWMWA President Sherl Streeter (yes, me) have been appointed to lead the IAMWMW Registration Committee for President Glover’s final year in office.We will lead the registration team for the 2018 Atlanta GA conference which will be held June 22-29, 2018. It is also an election year conference so we will work hard and smart to build on the great history of service that has been shown at previous conventions.

10. The 2018 IAMWMW Annual Convention will be held at the Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel in Atlanta GA. Room rate is $149.00 per night, parking $16.00 per day, (404) 209-9999 or 1-800-468-3571.

The following members have submitted their resumes and expressed an interest to be considered as candidates for the office of IAMWMW President in 2018: Thelma Rich (Maryland), Former NE Region VP Margaret Payton (Virginia), SE Region VP Anita Barnes (Florida), NE Region VP Loretta Dupree (New Jersey), and VP-At-Large Elder Vernita Josey (Grand Bahamas).  As you can see, there are three potential candidates from our very own Northeast Region.  These submissions will be vetted and the final candidates, who will be on the ballot in June 2018, will be selected by the Nominating Committee and announced in December at Founder’s Day (Richmond VA).

There continues to be work for us to do to support one another in our journey as Ministers’ wives and widows. I pray you are ready and willing to stay in the work. We need one another. Remember that the Capital Seminary and Graduate School, a division of Lancaster Bible College, is offering BMWMWA members a 25% tuition discount to attend Master of Arts in Professional Counseling (MAPC) classes in Fall 2017. The college is located in Greenbelt MD.  I plan to enroll in the professional counseling program this Fall.

Please continue to lift our sisters and their families in prayer.  Sister Sallie Ladson is still recovering from a series of strokes. Sister Lattimore is recuperating from shoulder surgery and Reverend Lee McClain, husband of member Norma McClain, is recovering from heart surgery. We attended the funeral services for Mrs. Desarie Herbert Jones, the mother of BMWMWA Past President Vanessa Hilliard earlier this week. Please pray for each other and our families. Please send cards or letters and visit, as needed, when they are able to receive guests.

Safe travels and vacations to each of you. Remember to reach out to ministers' wives and widows this summer to keep our fellowship strong. We have three sisters who have expressed an interest in joining our Sisterhood.  You will meet them in September. As details are made for our Installation Services in September, we will send information to you so you may plan accordingly. Be blessed and be a blessing,

Sherl L. Streeter

President, BMWMWA

From the Desk of the President,  September 2016

Beloved Baptist Ministers' Wives and Widows of DC Sisterhood,

With the month of September comes the Autumn season and fresh winds and fresh fire! As we return from summer break, we will meet at 7:00 PM on September 16, 2016 at Vermont Avenue Baptist Church, 1630 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington DC 20001 where the Interim Pastor is Rev. Isaac Fox.  Our Hostess is Sister Jessie B. Fox.  We will share the highlights of our 75th Annual Convention in Richmond VA as well as news regarding the remainder of this calendar year. 

Several members of our Sisterhood celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and other pastoral and family achievements that we will discuss at our monthly fellowship.  Additionally, First Lady Davishia Baldwin of Antioch Baptist Church of Deanwood, and First Lady Vanessa Hilliard of New Abundant Life Missionary Baptist Church will be honored in November at Praise 104.1 First Ladies' Tea. Congratulations to them and the other First Ladies who will be honored at the Tea. We will provide more information as it becomes available so we can attend and support our sisters.

I am excited about this final year of my administration.  It has been an honor serving with you. There is still a great deal of work to be done as well as many wonderful programs that we will present to you in the months ahead.  There is Founders' Day, Baltimore-Washington Fellowship, Stoddard Home Service Day, Northeast Regional Conference, and the IAMWMW Convention in the Bahamas! We know this year will continue to be a blessing to each of us. We thank God for His always providing just what we need when we need it.  He is awesome and worthy to be praised!

Beloved Baptist Ministers' Wives and Widows of DC Sisterhood,

April showers have definitely been a constant reminder of the showers of blessings we receive from the Lord.  We began the month with the BMWMWA Fellowship Breakfast at The Camelot in Upper Marlboro MD.  Once again our annual fundraising event was a totally sold out HIT!  Special thanks to Dr. Marie Quick, First Lady Belinda Davis, Sister Julia Williams, (our Hilda Washington Service Award winner for 2016), and Rev. Eunice Turner along their committees and all the ladies of the BMWMWA who worked so hard and tirelessly to make this event a success.  The food and fellowship was awesome as was the music provided by Minister Solomon Sparrow and the Harmony Ensemble of Vermont Avenue Baptist Church.  We presented five scholarships to well-deserving students and eight Faithful Servant awards to various honorees.  As always, there were vendors and door prizes. However, this year we also honored our two longest serving BMWWA members, Sister Cora L. Jackson and Sister Dorothy Durham, serving 50 and 49 years, respectively. We thank God for their dedication to Him and to us.

We offer thanks to God for the wonderful April Fellowship we had at First Rising Mount Zion Baptist Church under Interim Pastor Reginald Green where Sister Dorothy Wells-Fowlkes was our Hostess. We opened the evening with a very fruitful Executive Board Meeting led by Executive Board Chair Mary R. Wilson. After a glorious evening of food and fellowship, our evening program was presented by State President Pamela D. Y. Barksdale who spoke about the history and highlights of the BMWWA and the various levels of IAMWMW.  This orientation and training was well-received by the membership, especially new members who wanted to know the great legacy of BMWWA.

As May unfolds before us, please remember the United Metropolitan Alliance of Ministers’ Wives and Widows Association Conference called “Chosen for Key Assignments” to be held on May 21, 2016 at 16000 Trade Zone Avenue, Upper Marlboro 20774. For more information, contact Sister Doretha Pettus at 301-452-7848.  Also, on that same day, May 21, 2016, I will be one of several speakers at Le Detroit Baptist Church Women's Retreat in Turk Valley MD hosted by our member First Lady Tomeka Bumbry. For more information, contact her at tbumbry@aol.com. And Grace United Baptist Church Annual Women’s Day Celebration, under Pastor Gary Davis and First Lady Belinda Davis, will take place all day on May 22, 2016.

On May 20, 2016, we will have our last monthly fellowship meeting before our summer break.  The May meeting will be held at New Abundant Life Baptist Church located at 331 15th Street NE, Washington DC 20002.  Our Host will be Pastor Kenneth Hilliard and our hostesses are First Lady Vanessa Hilliard with First Lady Pamela Barksdale. Please plan to attend.  Our agenda for the evening will be food and fellowship followed by our business meeting.  We will not have a separate educational program in May to allow the Sisterhood to simply enjoy one another before the summer break. We will resume meetings in September 2016. 

During the summer break, the 75th Anniversary of the IAMWMW Conference will be held at the Richmond Marriott Hotel, 500 East Broad Street, in Richmond VA 22319 from June 27, 2016 to July 1, 2016. The colors for President’s Night are shades of purple for an elegant Black Tie evening. The BMWMWA is providing transportation for a nominal fee.  Please go online for conference registration forms or call First Lady Mattie Lawson or me for more information on transportation.  I hope to see you in Richmond as well at various functions throughout the summer.

Be Blessed and Be a Blessing,

First Lady Sherl L. Streeter

President, BMWMW 2015-2017

From the Desk of the President

Beloved Baptist Ministers' Wives and Widows of DC Sisterhood,

It’s almost Spring!  We can come out of hibernation and enjoy our evening walks, tea on the front porch, and gatherings at the park again. We can embrace Apostle Paul’s words in 1st Corinthians 11:15 and adorn our heads with elaborately decorated Spring hats. We will also remember what Rev. Dr. Renette Dallas said at our February Fellowship, MOVE more and EAT more fresh, raw fruits and vegetables to adore our inner beauty. As flowers bloom, trees sprout leaves, and grass turns green again, we will also be renewed. Focus on the dream business or church ministry you’ve wanted to launch. Find time to have fun with loved ones and spend time in prayer and study with the Lord.  If you want to make an impact on the kingdom, you will need God’s strength and power to remain healthy and focused on the work of the church.

First Lady Sherl L. Streeter

HAPPY NEW YEAR From the Desk of the President

Psalm 100 says: "Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.  For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations."  It is with this in mind that I say, "Happy Thanksgiving!"

Many of us spent countless hours shopping and cooking, watching football games, serving others in need, and perhaps decorating our homes for the Christmas season.  Surely, our homes were filled with the smell of pumpkin or sweet potato pies and delicious turkey and stuffing.  Or, maybe some of us are on our path to better health and clean living and we simply had a wonderful meal of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Before we satisfied our physical hunger, many of us went to our various churches and satisfied our spiritual hunger and feasted on God’s Word.  Some carved out time to be with the Lord in the privacy of our own homes with Bible study. Others went to community centers and food banks to serve meals and encourage those who needed their spirits lifted. Whatever you did on Thanksgiving Day, I pray it was rewarding and fulfilling for you because as ministers' wives and widows, I know Thanksgiving is so much more than food, football, and family gatherings. Thanksgiving is our way of life. It is grateful living and daily service to the people of God. Every day is a day of Thanksgiving!  God has been faithful to His promises to us. Despite terrorist threats, violence, extreme weather conditions, and deadly health scares – He continues to keep us in His loving arms of protection. We do not fear for God is with us! We give thanks to the Lord for His provisions and the privilege of being able to work in His Kingdom.

During this Harvest season, we acknowledge God in thanksgiving, prayer and praise, individually and as an organization. As we journey to Richmond VA on December 4-5, 2015 to celebrate Founder’s Day for our International Association of Ministers’ Wives and Widows, my prayer is that you will be safe and enriched by the fellowship of our sisters from across the country who will join us there.

Today and every day, I give thanks to God for you.  What a blessing it is to be part of such a wonderful group of ladies! Spiritual blessings and the grace of God be with you. Continue to serve God knowing that your labor is not in vain. Be grateful for His love and bountiful gifts of family, friends, life, health, and an abundant joy possible only from Him!  Thankfulness is the key. As always, my prayer continues to be that we work together with thankful hearts yielded to God. I pray He will bless each member, fill us with His Holy Spirit, and infuse us with His wisdom and His character. He has given us the power to stand in His will. He will bless the works of our hands and, as we prosper, may our priority always be to please God.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 

"Happy Thanksgiving!  Be blessed and be a blessing!”